U.S. patent application number 10/705471 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for door light.
Invention is credited to Zocco, Philip.
Application Number | 20050097846 10/705471 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34552371 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050097846 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zocco, Philip |
May 12, 2005 |
Door light
Abstract
A door light is disclosed including an insert having a
substantially planar top surface defining a plane. A raised or
projecting portion, at least partially surrounded by the planar
surface, includes at least two features extending above the plane
of the planar surface. The raised portion has a substantially
uniform configuration. The insert may be formed of a substantially
shatterproof or impact resistant material. The raised portion may
include a bullseye pattern or raised concentric rings, which may
have one or more truncated sides interrupting at least the
outermost concentric ring. The insert may be molded and may be made
of plastic, such as acrylic or polycarbonate. The door light may be
set within a frame for placement in a door or window, or adjacent
the door or window for a side light or transom, on either the
exterior or interior of a home.
Inventors: |
Zocco, Philip; (Georgetown,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOLF GREENFIELD & SACKS, PC
FEDERAL RESERVE PLAZA
600 ATLANTIC AVENUE
BOSTON
MA
02210-2211
US
|
Family ID: |
34552371 |
Appl. No.: |
10/705471 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/455 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 7/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/455 |
International
Class: |
F21S 008/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. (canceled)
2. The insert of claim 3, wherein the raised portion includes a
bullseye configuration.
3. An insert for placement in a door light, the insert comprising:
a substantially planar top surface defining a plane; and a raised
portion at least partially surrounded by the planar surface, the
raised portion including at least two features extending above the
plane of the planar top surface, the raised portion having a
substantially uniform configuration; wherein the raised portion
includes at least two raised concentric rings substantially
centered on the insert.
4. An insert for placement in a door light, the insert comprising:
a substantially planar top surface defining a plane; a raised
portion at least partially surrounded by the planar surface, the
raised portion including at least two features extending above the
plane of the planar top surface, the raised portion having a
substantially uniform configuration, wherein the raised portion
includes at least two raised concentric rings; an outer edge of the
raised portion; and at least one truncated side provided on a
portion of the outer edge and interrupting at least an outermost
concentric ring, wherein the truncated side is substantially
perpendicular to the planar top surface.
5. The insert of claim 4, further comprising: two truncated sides
provided on opposite portions of the outer edge of the raised
portion and substantially parallel to one another.
6. The insert of claim 3, wherein the planar top surface of the
insert has a thickness, the raised portion has a maximum height,
and the maximum height is at least one-quarter the thickness.
7. An insert for placement in a door light, the insert comprising:
a substantially planar top surface defining a plane; and a raised
portion at least partially surrounded by the planar surface, the
raised portion including at least two features extending above the
plane of the planar top surface, the raised portion having a
substantially uniform configuration, wherein the raised portion has
a plurality of peaks, wherein a maximum height of the peaks is
substantially centered on the raised portion, a height of the peaks
of the raised portion decreasing at a constant rate in a radial
direction from the maximum height toward an outer edge of the
raised portion.
8. The insert of claim 3, further comprising: a substantially
planar bottom surface opposite the top surface, the planar bottom
surface defining a second plane; and a convex portion at least
partially surrounded by the planar bottom surface, the convex
portion provided recessed above the second plane of the bottom
surface, the convex portion having a substantially uniform
configuration, wherein the substantially uniform configuration of
the convex portion corresponds to the substantially uniform
configuration of the raised portion.
9. The insert of claim 3, wherein the insert is formed of a plastic
material.
10. The insert of claim 9, wherein the plastic material is selected
from the group consisting of acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene
terephthalate, polystyrene PS, and unplasticized polyvinyl
chloride.
11. The insert of claim 3, further comprising: a frame having at
least a part of the frame abutting an outer edge of the insert to
center the insert within the frame, wherein the frame forms a
central opening for exposing the raised portion of the insert.
12. (canceled)
13. The door light of claim 15, wherein the projecting portion
includes a bullseye pattern.
14. (canceled)
15. A door light comprising: an insert having a substantially
planar top surface defining a plane, wherein the insert is
substantially impact resistant and wherein the insert is molded;
and a projecting portion including at least two features extending
above the plane of the planar top surface, the top planar surface
at least partially surrounding the projecting portion, the
projecting portion having a substantially uniform configuration,
wherein the projecting portion includes at least two raised
concentric rings; an outer edge of the projecting portion; and at
least one truncated side provided on a portion of the outer edge
and interrupting at least an outermost concentric ring, wherein the
truncated side is substantially perpendicular to the planar top
surface.
16. The door light of claim 15, further comprising: two truncated
sides provided on opposite portions of the outer edge of the
projecting portion and substantially parallel to one another.
17. The door light of claim 15, wherein the planar top surface of
the insert has a thickness, the projecting portion has a maximum
height, and the maximum height is at least one-quarter the
thickness.
18. The door light of claim 15, wherein the projecting portion has
a plurality of peaks, wherein a maximum height of the peaks is
substantially centered on the projecting portion, a height of the
peaks of the projecting portion decreasing at a constant rate in a
radial direction from the maximum height toward on outer edge of
the projecting portion.
19. The door light of claim 15, further comprising: a substantially
planar bottom surface opposite the planar top surface, the planar
bottom surface defining a second plane; and a convex portion
provided at least partially surrounded by the planar bottom
surface, the convex portion recessed above the second plane of the
bottom surface, the convex portion having a substantially uniform
configuration, wherein the substantially uniform configuration of
the convex portion corresponds to the substantially uniform
configuration of the raised portion.
20. The door light of claim 15, wherein the insert is formed of a
material selected from the group consisting of acrylic,
polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene PS, and
unplasticized polyvinyl chloride.
21. (canceled)
22. The insert of claim 3, wherein the at least two raised
concentric rings include an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein
the maximum height of the inner ring is greater than the maximum
height of the outer ring.
23. The insert of claim 3, wherein the at least two raised
concentric rings include an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein
the maximum height of the inner ring is substantially equal to the
maximum height of the outer ring.
24. The insert of claim 3, wherein at least one of the concentric
rings is a complete, uninterrupted ring.
25. An insert for placement in a door light, the insert comprising:
a substantially planar top surface defining a plane; and a raised
portion at least partially surrounded by the planar top surface,
the raised portion including at least two features extending above
the plane of the planar top surface, the raised portion having a
substantially uniform configuration; wherein the raised portion
includes at least two raised concentric rings, defining an inner
ring and an outer ring, wherein the maximum height of the inner
ring is greater than the maximum height of the outer ring.
26. The insert of claim 4, wherein the insert is formed of a
substantially shatterproof material.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to inserts for
windows and doors, and more particularly to door lights.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Different types of door lights exist to provide light into
the interior of homes. Door lights may feature a piece of flat,
decorative, cut or stained glass held within a frame that is placed
within a door. New door lights typically use tempered glass,
laminated glass or acrylic in order to meet current building codes
or safety standards for modern doors and windows. Older, more
historic, door lights have a hand-blown piece of glass that
features a bullseye pattern on the surface of the glass. These
hand-blown pieces of glass usually have a center projection with
one or more raised concentric rings, but the design frequently is
very irregular because they are individually hand-made. These door
lights are often found in older homes and are set within a wooden
door frame. These older door lights, since they are made of glass,
are susceptible to breakage and typically do not meet current
building codes or safety standards.
[0003] A consumer product safety standard is set forth in 16 C.F.R.
.sctn. 1201 for glazing materials used or intended for use with
architectural products such as doors, including storm and
combination doors. These safety requirements are designed to reduce
the risk of injury or death when the glazing material is broken.
The standard includes impact and environmental test requirements.
Other standards exist, including those developed by the American
National Standards Institute and found in ANSI Z97.1, which sets
forth standards for glazing materials in buildings, also in an
attempt to reduce the risk of injury in the event the glazing
material is broken.
[0004] Although there are exemptions to the standards, such as
where the primary purpose is decorative or artistic, it is
generally desired that glass placed in doors where the glass might
potentially be broken be resistant to impact and/or be made to
reduce the likelihood of cutting or piercing injuries when the
glazing material is broken. For example, glass in doors and windows
is often susceptible to breakage by people, particularly children,
who may run into the glass or cause objects to impact and break the
glass. Thus, a glazing material is desirable that avoids potential
injury by being substantially shatterproof or impact resistant. To
meet these codes or standards, the glazing material is usually made
of flat tempered glass, laminated glass or acrylic.
[0005] When remodeling homes, older wooden doors and windows are
often replaced with more energy efficient ones. For example,
replacement doors may be made of fiberglass or steel. To meet
building codes and safety standards, door lights within these new
doors or windows must meet the above described impact and
environmental tests. Homeowners, however, typically want to keep
the original look of the door light so that the door light matches
the period detail of the home. Thus, a substantially shatterproof
or impact resistant door light with a bullseye or other
three-dimensional pattern is desired.
[0006] However, it is difficult to make door lights of tempered or
other safety glass with a bullseye or three-dimensional pattern.
Because of irregularities in glass with projecting or
three-dimensional shapes, the glass may shatter during the process
of tempering. A tempered glass door light with a slightly raised
modified bullseye is available, however, the raised bullseye lacks
uniformity and only has a raised center portion. It is desired to
provide a door light that is substantially shatterproof or impact
resistant and that includes a uniform projecting or
three-dimensional shape or pattern.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] In one embodiment, an insert for placement in a door light
is disclosed. The insert includes a substantially planar top
surface defining a plane. A raised portion, at least partially
surrounded by the planar top surface, includes at least two
features extending above the plane of the planar surface. The
raised portion has a substantially uniform configuration. The
insert is formed of a substantially shatterproof material.
[0008] In another embodiment, a door light is disclosed including
an insert having a substantially planar top surface defining a
plane, and a projecting portion including at least two features
extending above the plane of the planar top surface. The planar top
surface at least partially surrounds the raised portion and the
raised portion has a substantially uniform configuration. The
insert is substantially impact resistant and the insert is
molded.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, a method of making a frame with a
door light is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: molding
a door light having raised pattern that has a substantially uniform
configuration from a substantially shatterproof material; framing
the door light in a frame defining a central opening for exposing
at least a part of the raised pattern; and inserting the door light
and frame within a door.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The objects, advantages and features of this invention will
be more clearly appreciated from the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein like numbers are used for like features, in
which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a door
light according to the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the door light of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional view of the door light of
FIG. 1 taken along line 3A-3A of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view of the door light of
FIG. 1 taken along line 3B-3B of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a front plan view of another embodiment of a door
light according to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front plan view of another embodiment of a door
light according to the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing another
embodiment of a raised portion of a door light according to the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing another
embodiment of a raised portion of a door light according to the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing another
embodiment of a raised portion of a door light according to the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view showing another
embodiment of a raised portion of a door light according to the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing another
embodiment of a raised portion of a door light according to the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
door light according to the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a front plan view of the door light of FIG.
11;
[0024] FIG. 13A is a side cross-sectional view of the door light of
FIG. 11 taken along line 13A-13A of FIG. 12;
[0025] FIG. 13B is a side cross-sectional view of the door light of
FIG. 11 taken along line 13B-13B of FIG. 12;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a front plan view of the door light of FIG. 1 in
a frame;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the door light of
FIG. 1 in a frame;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the door light of FIG.
1 in a frame; and
[0029] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the door light of
FIG. 11 in a frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] With reference now to the drawings, and more particularly to
FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, one aspect of this invention features door
light 10. The door light 10 includes an insert 12 that may be set
within a frame 14 (see FIGS. 14-17). The frame with the door light
10 may be placed within a door or window, or act as a window on its
own. Other types of lights for doors or windows exist, including
side lights and transoms. It will be understood that the term "door
light" as used herein is intended to cover all such devices.
Moreover, door lights and side lights are often referred to in the
door industry as "doorlites" and "sidelites".
[0031] The insert 12 includes a central portion 16 and an outer
edge 18 substantially surrounding the central portion 16. As
illustrated, the insert 12 has an overall rectangular shape.
However, the insert 12 may have any suitable shape, including
square and circular. The insert 12 includes a top surface 20, that
is preferably substantially planar. Extending upwardly above a
plane P.sub.1 defined by the top surface 20 is a projecting or
raised portion 22. The raised portion 22 may have any desired
three-dimensional shape or pattern and may be surrounded by and
centrally disposed on the insert with respect to the top surface 20
of the insert 12, or it may be offset with respect to the center of
the insert 12, or raised portion 22 may only be surrounded on one,
two or three sides by the top surface 20.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, two cross-sections of the
insert 12 are shown. The insert 12 has a thickness t.sub.cp at its
edges while the raised portion 22 extends above the plane of the
top surface 20, at its maximum height, a distance h.sub.rp. The
heights above the plane of the top surface 20 of the various parts
of the raised portion 22 may be varied, and may feature peaks 23
and valleys 25. Generally, the height h.sub.rp of the raised
portion 22 may be any suitable distance relative to the thickness
t.sub.cp of the insert 12 at the top surface 20. As illustrated,
the height h.sub.rp of the raised portion 22 is at least
one-quarter the thickness t.sub.cp of the insert 12 at top surface
20, and preferably about half the thickness t.sub.cp. In one
example, the insert 12 has a thickness of about one-half inch at
its edges. The thickness of the insert 12 and height of the raised
portion 22 increases the distortion as one looks through the insert
12.
[0033] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the raised portion 22 may
have any suitable uniform shape or pattern. The uniform raised
portion 22 may have at least two raised features 27. In one
embodiment illustrated, the raised portion 22 has a bullseye
pattern with raised concentric rings 24. A first raised knob 26 is
provided in the center, with at least one concentric ring 24
disposed about the knob 26, and in one example, four concentric
rings 24 are disposed about the knob 26. It will be appreciated
that any number of rings 24 may be provided. The rings 24 may have
any desired cross-sectional shape, width w.sub.r and height
h.sub.r, and the width and/or height of the rings may each be the
same or different. The knob 26 may be any suitable size or shape.
As illustrated, the concentric rings 24 form a circular pattern on
the face of insert 12. However, the rings 24 form any desired
pattern including elliptical, oblong or square. It will be
appreciated that the concentric rings 24 may have any repeating
shape or pattern.
[0034] Although the raised portion 22 is illustrated as being
centered on the insert 12, the raised portion may be offset.
Additionally, more than one raised portion 22 may be provided, for
example repeating the same shape or pattern or providing different
shapes or patterns.
[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the insert 12 has a
bottom surface 28 opposite the top surface 20. The bottom surface
28 is preferably substantially planar and may be substantially
parallel to the top surface 20. As illustrated, the bottom surface
28 surrounds a uniform convex portion 30. The bottom surface 28 of
the insert 12 is illustrated greater detail in FIG. 16. In one
example, the convex portion 30 corresponds to the shape and size of
the raised portion 22. However, the convex portion 30 may have a
different shape and/or size from the raised portion 22. The convex
portion 30 also is recessed, at its maximum height, a distance
h.sub.cvp spaced from a second plane P.sub.2 defined by the bottom
surface 28. The spacing of the various parts of the convex portion
30 from the plane of the bottom surface 28 may be varied, and may
feature peaks 33 and valleys 35. Generally, the height h.sub.cvp of
the convex portion may be any suitable distance relative to the
thickness t.sub.cp of the insert 12. As illustrated, the height
h.sub.cvp of the convex portion 30 is at least one-quarter the
thickness t.sub.cp of the insert 12 at its edges, and preferably
about half the thickness of the insert 12.
[0036] It will be appreciated that alternatively the bottom surface
28 could extend across the entire extent of insert 12 and that a
convex portion 30 would not appear. In another embodiment, raised
portion 22 could appear on both sides of insert 12 or convex
portions 30 could appear on both sides of insert 12.
[0037] The raised portion 22 and convex portion 30 are preferably
uniform in configuration. A uniform configuration means that the
raised portion 22 or convex portion 30 has a shape and/or pattern
that may include one or more of the following: radial symmetry of
the raised or convex portion; symmetry between opposite sides of
the raised or convex portion; constant spacing between features of
the raised or convex portion; constant height or width of features
of the raised or convex portion; constant rate of change of height
or width of features of the raised or convex portion from the
center to the outer edge; and constant height, width and/or
cross-sectional shape within each feature of the raised or convex
portion. By constant it is meant that they are substantially the
same.
[0038] The embodiment of FIG. 1 has at least some of these
characteristics that make the raised portion 22 and convex portion
30 uniform in configuration. The insert 12 has symmetry between
opposite sides of the raised or convex portion, for example, when
divided in half along lines 3A-3A and 3B-3B. Additionally, the
individual spacings between each concentric ring 24, along with the
width w.sub.r of the each concentric ring 24, is constant. The
height h.sub.r between the valleys 23 and the peaks 25 for each
ring is also constant. There is a constant rate of change of height
above the plane of surface 20 for the peaks 23 and valleys 25 from
the center to the outer edge 31 of the raised portion 22. There is
also a constant rate of change in the height between peaks 33 and
valleys 35 of convex section 30 and the plane of bottom surface 28.
Thus, there is a consistent slope of the peaks 23 and 33 and
valleys 25 and 35 of the respective raised and convex portions 22
and 30.
[0039] Now referring to FIGS. 4-10, different embodiments of the
raised portion 22 on the insert 12 will be described. Although
described with regard to the raised portion, it will be appreciated
that each of these embodiments could also be used for the convex
portion 30. The different embodiments are for illustrative purposes
only, and are not intended to limit the invention.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates the center knob 26 as being square, while
the concentric rings 24, of which there are two, also have an
overall square configuration in the insert. Corners 37 are
illustrated as being at about a 90.degree. angle; however, it will
be appreciated that the corners 37 may be rounded. This embodiment
of the raised portion 22 of the insert 12 has a uniform
configuration in at least one of the different ways described
above. For example, the widths w.sub.r of the features 27 of the
raised portion 22, such as the rings 24, are constant. The spaces
Sr between the features 27 of the raised portion 22, such as the
rings 24 and knob 26, are also constant in this embodiment.
Additionally, the raised portion 22, if divided in half along
either lines A-A, B-B, C-C or D-D, is symmetric.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates the center knob 26 as being elliptical,
while the concentric rings 24, of which there are two, also have an
overall elliptical configuration in the insert. The widths w.sub.r
of the features 27 of the raised portion, such as rings 24 and knob
26, are illustrated as being varied between one another and on each
feature individually. Additionally, the spaces s.sub.r between the
features 27 of the raised portion 22, such as the rings 24 and knob
26, are also illustrated as being varied between one another and
with variations within each space. This embodiment of the raised
portion 22 of the insert 12 also has a uniform configuration as
described above in at least one way. For example, the raised
portion 22, if divided in half along either lines A-A or B-B, is
symmetric.
[0042] FIGS. 6-10 show different cross-sections of different raised
portions 22 for an insert. These different embodiments could also
be used for the convex portion 30. Each embodiment of the raised
portion 22 includes at least one characteristic that is described
above as making the configuration of the raised portion 22 uniform.
FIG. 6 illustrates the raised portion 22 having constant widths
w.sub.r, heights h.sub.r and cross-sectional shapes for the
features 27 of the raised portion 22, including the knob 26 and
rings 24. The spacings s.sub.r between the features 27 are also
constant. The raised portion 22 at least has symmetry along line
A-A dividing the raised portion in half. FIG. 7 illustrates the
raised portion 22 with the features 27 being concentric rings 24,
but not having a knob 26. The concentric rings 24 have different
widths w.sub.r, heights h.sub.r and cross-sectional shapes, which
vary from square to rectangular. However, at least when divided
along line A-A, the raised portion 22 may have symmetry. FIG. 8
shows a raised portion 22 with features 27, including a knob 26 and
concentric rings 24, with a constant rate of change in height above
the plane of surface 20 for the peaks 23 and valleys 25 from the
center to the outer edge 31 of the raised portion 22. The
concentric rings 24 also have the a constant width w.sub.r. The
raised portion 22 may at least have symmetry along line A-A. FIGS.
6-8 illustrate the concentric rings 24 and knob 26 as having
sidewalls 39 being perpendicular to the top surface 20 and valleys
23 between the features 27 of the raised portion 22.
[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates yet another embodiment for the raised
portion 22. FIG. 9 illustrates the raised portion 22 having
constant widths w.sub.r, heights h.sub.r and cross-sectional shapes
for the features 27 of the raised portion, including the knob 26
and rings 24. The concentric rings 24 and knob 26 have sidewalls 39
with curved interfaces that meet with the top surface 20 of the
insert, peaks 23 and valleys 25. The raised portion 22 may at least
have symmetry along line A-A. FIG. 10 illustrates yet another
embodiment for the raised portion 22. The concentric rings 24
feature triangular cross-sectional shapes. The knob 26 may be a
cone shape. Each concentric ring 24 and knob 26 has a constant
width w.sub.r and height h.sub.r, and the spacing s.sub.r between
the rings 24 and knob 26 is also constant. The raised portion 22 at
least has symmetry along line A-A.
[0044] Referring again to FIG. 1, the raised portion 22 includes
two truncated sides 32 and 34. The truncated sides 32 and 34
truncate the concentric ring pattern by interrupting two of the
concentric rings 24 on two opposing sides of the raised portion.
The truncated sides 32 and 34 are substantially perpendicular to
the top surface 20 of the insert 12. Alternatively, the truncated
sides 32 and 34 may be provided at any angle relative to the top
surface 20, or feature a curved interface with the top surface 20.
The two truncated sides 32 and 34 are provided opposite one
another, such that they are substantially parallel to one another.
Each truncated side 32 and 34 is spaced a distance d.sub.t from the
outer edge 18 of the insert 12, and the remaining edges 36 of the
raised portion 22 are spaced a distance d.sub.re at their closest
point to the outer edge 18.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 11-13B, a second embodiment of the
door light is shown with insert 38. The insert 38 is substantially
the same as the insert illustrated in FIGS. 1-3B; however, there
are a few differences which will be discussed in more detail
below.
[0046] The insert 38 has an overall square shape. As shown in FIGS.
11-12, uniform raised portion 22 includes a knob 26 and four
concentric rings 24 like the first embodiment. However, unlike the
previous embodiment, the concentric rings 24 are not interrupted by
truncated sides on the raised portion 22. Instead, the concentric
rings 24 are complete. The raised portion 22 is centered on the
insert 38.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the raised portion 22
extends, at a maximum height, a height h.sub.rp from the plane of
the top surface 20 and features a matching convex portion 30
recessed from the plane of the bottom surface 28 of the insert 38,
at a maximum height, a distance h.sub.cvp. The outermost edge 36 of
the raised portion 22 is spaced a distance d.sub.re at its closest
points to the outer edge 18.
[0048] The embodiment of FIG. 11 has at least some of the above
described characteristics that make the raised portion 22 and
convex portion 30 of a uniform configuration. The insert 38 at
least has radial symmetry, and has symmetry between opposite sides
of the raised or convex portions 22 and 30, for example when
divided in half along lines 13A-13A and 13B-13B. Additionally, the
individual spacings s.sub.r between each concentric ring 24, along
with the width w.sub.r of the each concentric ring 24, is constant.
The height h.sub.r between the peaks 23 and the valleys 25 for each
ring is also constant. There is a constant rate of change of height
above the plane of surface 20 for the peaks 23 and valleys 25 from
the center to the outer edge 31 of the raised portion 22. There is
also a constant rate of change in the height between peaks 33 and
valleys 35 of convex portion 30 and the plane of the bottom surface
28. Thus, there is a consistent slope of the peaks 23 and 33 and
valleys 25 and 35 of the respective raised and convex portions 22
and 30.
[0049] The inserts may be made of any suitable material resulting
in a substantially shatterproof or impact resistant insert. The
insert may be made of any suitable plastic, for example acrylic,
polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene PS, and
unplasticized polyvinyl chloride or a combination thereof.
Preferably the insert is made of a polycarbonate. Light may filter
through the insert. Preferably, the insert is at least translucent
and may be at least partially transparent. The material may be
tinted in a variety of colors.
[0050] The insert may be made by any suitable method or process,
including molding. Preferably, the insert is made by injection
molding. Pellets of material are heated and the melted material is
then injected into a mold. The material is allowed to dry for a
period of time. The thicker the insert the longer the time period
the material will need for drying. For example, when the thickness
t.sub.cp is about one-half inch the drying time may be about four
minutes. The insert is then released from the mold and is ready to
be placed in a frame for placement in a door.
[0051] Preferably, the insert is a single piece, although the
insert could potentially be made of separate pieces. For example,
the insert 12 and the raised portion 22 could be made separately
and secured together using fasteners or adhesive.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 14-17, the first embodiment of the
insert 12 is shown provided in a frame 14. It will be appreciated
that any suitable frame may be used to hold the insert. As
illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the frame 14 may include a front
half and rear half 40 and 42. The front and rear halves 40 and 42
may be secured together with the insert in-between using
interfitting posts 44 and 46, as is known in the framing art.
Fasteners 45, such as screws, may be inserted through the rear half
42 into the posts 44 and 46 to secure the rear half to the front
half with the insert in-between. The raised portion 22 may abut or
be spaced from an inner edge 48 of the frame. As illustrated, the
edge 36 of the raised portion 22 is spaced from the inner edge 48,
while the truncated sides 32 and 34 abut the inner edge 48 of the
frame 14. Because a portion of the inner edge 48 and truncated
sides 32 and 34 may be parallel one another, the truncated sides
may abut the inner edge along the entire length of the truncated
sides 32 and 34. The posts 44 and 46 may abut the outer edge 18 of
the insert 12 to center the insert within the frame 14. Thus, it is
not necessary for the raised portion 22 or even the truncated sides
32 and 34 to abut the inner edge 48 of the frame 14 in order to
hold the insert 12 steady within the frame 14.
[0053] FIG. 17 illustrates the second embodiment of the insert 38,
in a frame 50. As shown, the edges 36 of the raised portion 22 are
spaced from an inner edge 52 of the frame 50. However, portions of
the edge 36 of the raised portion 22 could abut the inner edge 52
of the frame 50. Frame 50 may be any suitable frame.
[0054] The frames 14 and 50 may be made of any suitable material,
which may depend on the type of door or window they are set within.
The frame may be made of plastic, including vinyl.
[0055] The framed door lights may be used anywhere in a home or
other building. In one particular application, the framed door
light may be used with any door or window, including fiberglass,
steel or wood doors or windows. The door light may be set within
doors or windows or adjacent doors or windows as a side light or
transom. The door lights may be used on either exterior or interior
of buildings to allow light to filter through the door light from
outside the building into the interior of the building or from one
interior room into another.
[0056] Having thus described several aspects of at least one
embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated various
alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to
those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and
improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are
intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of
example only.
* * * * *